A tutorial on the application of ion-selective electrode potentiometry: An analytical method with unique qualities, unexplored opportunities and potential pitfalls; Tutorial

Ion-selective potentiometry enjoys practical utility as a simple analytical technique to measure ionic constituents in complex samples. Advances in the field have improved the selectivity and decreased the detection limit of ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) by orders of magnitude such that trace analysis in micro and nanomolar concentrations is now possible with potentiometric sensors. This tutorial reviews the fundamental principles of ion-selective potentiometry, describes the practical considerations involved in the use of these sensors to measure real samples, and discusses the statistical evaluation of experimental results compared with alternative analytical techniques.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Electrochemical cells for potentiometric measurement. ► Characterization of potentiometric electrodes. ► Measurement of ion activities and concentrations with potentiometric electrodes. ► Analysis of real samples: The role of the selectivity coefficient. ► Methods to evaluate the agreement between two methods.